I have always contended that if I had to win next season like my life depended on it...Billy Martin would be my manager. If I was going to hire a manager to see me through a winning decade it would be Earl Weaver. Managers can make a difference so you want to have the right guy for where you are. Billy was merciless in getting his players to play at 110% of their abilities. He got the most out of players but at a price. Earl was a master of recognizing the kind of players he had and played to their strengths. He put basically the same lineup on the field every day. He didn't believe in bunting or stealing bases. He did believe in good pitchers and three run homers.
At the time Ricky was replaced as Cubs manager it seemed kind of disloyal to him. Now I wonder if it isn't his makeup to do well with young players developing but the qualities to win championships may not be his strong suit.